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Exploring the world of cathedral architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, religion, and history. Each architectural style, such as Gothic, Cistercian, Romanesque, Byzantine, and Neoclassical, is not just a matter of aesthetic preference; it reflects the theological and philosophical views of the era in which it was built. For instance, Gothic cathedrals, are famous for their towering heights and soaring spires, which were not possible in early Romanesque constructions. But the reason for learning how to engineer these new heights came from a desire to flood the church nave with more light, because the theologians thought that light was the best symbol of the divine presence, of Christ “illuminating“ the world. In contrast, Cistercian architecture, with its emphasis on simplicity and austerity, mirrored a monastic life dedicated to purity and asceticism. This video is adapted from insights in the book “The House of God“ by Edward Norman.
